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| United States Patent |
5,274,933
|
|
Cole
, et al.
|
January 4, 1994
|
Method and apparatus for displaying and testing self-service shoes
Abstract
A coiled shoe connector (14) is provided to connect a first shoe (10) to a
second shoe (12). The coiled connector (14) has a relaxed length (L) and
an expanded length (L2). The pair of shoes (10 and 12) are interconnected
by the coiled connector (14) for display with the connector (14) in its
relaxed length (L). To test the pair of shoes (10-12), a customer may walk
in the shoes by repeatedly stretching the coiled connector (14) between
its relaxed length (L) and its expanded length (L2). In a preferred
embodiment, the coiled connector (14) is reusable and is therefore,
connected to the shoes (10-12) by a separate fixing element (36). After a
customer has tested the shoes (10-12) and decided to purchase them, the
shoes (10-12) are deposited with a sales clerk. The sales clerk may then
cut the fixing elements (36) in order to retain the coiled connector (14)
for reuse. The coiled connector (14) thus provides a convenient method for
connecting a pair of shoes for self-service display that allows a customer
to test-walk the shoes without fear of injury due to tripping over a
connecting cord.
| Inventors:
|
Cole; Robert J. (Lansing, IL);
Hochberg; Larry J. (Glencoe, IL)
|
| Assignee:
|
Sportmart, Inc. (Niles, IL)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
729776 |
| Filed:
|
July 10, 1991 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
36/136 |
| Intern'l Class: |
A43C 011/22 |
| Field of Search: |
36/132,136,138
24/298,300,301,302,16 PB
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
| 393595 | Nov., 1888 | Veatch | 24/298.
|
| 794561 | Jul., 1905 | Spencer.
| |
| 897476 | Sep., 1908 | Milliken.
| |
| 1434532 | Nov., 1922 | Davala et al.
| |
| 1470280 | Oct., 1923 | McCulloch.
| |
| 2820269 | Jan., 1958 | Wolff | 24/300.
|
| 2884399 | Aug., 1961 | Grahling | 119/96.
|
| 3000067 | Sep., 1961 | Hanflig | 24/87.
|
| 3041743 | Jul., 1962 | Monsma | 36/1.
|
| 3482335 | Dec., 1969 | Ornsteen | 36/1.
|
| 3692361 | Sep., 1972 | Ivarsson | 24/298.
|
| 3889399 | Jun., 1975 | Emrich | 36/1.
|
| 4170299 | Oct., 1979 | Clements | 206/342.
|
| 4624060 | Nov., 1986 | Maxwell | 36/1.
|
Primary Examiner: Stodola; Daniel P.
Assistant Examiner: Darling; John P.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Laff, Whitesel, Conte & Saret
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/620,373,
filed Nov. 28, 1990, now abandoned which was a continuation of application
Ser. No. 07/439,788, filed Nov. 21, 1989, which is now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Shoes adapted for self-service selection and for convenient and safe
testing for foot fit and for comfort on walking, comprising:
a pair of shoes; and
expandable means for interconnecting said pair of shoes,
said expandable means being capable of stretching from a contracted state
in which said pair of shoes can be displayed side-by-side with said
expandable means disposed therebetween for selection by a potential
customer, to elongated states permitting said pair of shoes to be tested
by the potential customer for foot fit and to be tested for comfort on
walking,
said expandable means also being capable of returning to said contracted
state permitting said shoes to be redisplayed side-by-side with said
expandable means disposed therebetween,
said expandable means further including means for removable, damage-free
attachment to each of the shoes of said pair of shoes.
2. The shoes of claim 1 in which said expandable means includes means for
attachment to the shoes which are detachable from said shoes so that no
pieces of said attachment means remain with said shoes after detachment
thereof.
3. The shoes of claim 2 in which the attachment means comprises a length of
nylon strap.
4. The shoes of claim 3 wherein said nylon strap further comprises a
receiver and locking ribs for insertion into said receiver.
5. The shoes of claim 2, wherein said attachment means is integral with
said expandable means.
6. The shoes of claim 1 in which said pair of shoes have eyelets and said
attachment means are attached to an eyelet of each of the shoes of said
pair of shoes.
7. The shoes of claim 1 in which said expandable means comprises a coiled
connector.
8. The shoes of claim 7 wherein said coiled connector comprises an inner
portion and a protective outer coating to prevent damage to the shoes.
9. A method for facilitating convenient and safe self-service testing of
pairs of shoes by potential customers comprising:
interconnecting matching pairs of shoes with expandable means for
stretching from a contracted state in which said pairs of shoes are
displayed side-by-side with said expandable means disposed therebetween
for selection by a potential customer, to elongated states permitting said
pairs of shoes to be tested by the potential customer for foot fit and to
be tested for comfort on walking;
displaying said pairs of shoes side-by-side for selection by potential
customers;
providing facilities for testing of selected pairs of said shoes for fit
and for comfort on walking while said pairs of shoes remain interconnected
and said expandable means is elongated;
redisplaying any of said pairs of shoes not chosen for purchase by the
customer in side by side fashion with said expandable means in said
contracted state; and
removing said expandable means from any pairs of said shoes chosen by the
customer for purchase.
10. In a system for self-service sale of shoes in which pairs of shoes are
interconnected to prevent mismatching by self-service customers, the
improvement comprising:
attaching matching pairs of shoes with expandable means capable of
stretching from a contracted state in which said matching pairs of shoes
can be displayed side-by-side for selection by a potential customer to
elongated states in which said matching pairs of shoes can first be tested
by customers for foot fit and then tested for comfort on walking while
they remain interconnected.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to security devices, and in particular to
a method and apparatus for displaying and testing self-service shoes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The self-service display and sale of shoes has greatly increased over the
years to where self-service shoe stores and/or sections in larger stores
are to be found virtually everywhere. In such self-service stores, it is
important to display the shoes for customer selection and testing in a
convenient fashion.
Unfortunately, the more convenient the display of shoes for a customer's
selection and testing, the more inconvenient for a retailer. Since the
customer wants to be able to look at the shoes as a pair, the shoes must
be displayed as a pair or in a fashion that will allow quick location of
the pair desired. Additionally, the customer typically desires to wear the
shoes on both feet for test walking the shoes as much as possible and
perhaps even for running or jumping in the shoes (especially if they are
athletic shoes). These requirements for customer satisfaction make the
retailer's job more difficult in that shoes may become separated as pairs
by inconsiderate or inattentive customers replacing the pairs in incorrect
locations. Even worse, customers may place the shoes on their feet and
depart the store without paying.
Thus, it has become necessary to provide devices to allow shoes to be
displayed as a pair and tested by the customer without losing the identity
of the pair of shoes. These methods have included the use of tabs fixed to
the shoe with a string or strap interconnecting the tabs. One such method
is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,000,067 to Hanflig, Sep. 19, 1961. The
Hanflig patent discloses a flexible line terminating on each end in a
metal clip for attachment to each shoe. The metal clip is secured to a
portion of the shoe upper by punching a sharp tongue section therethrough
and into a receiving portion. While this method is adequate for
maintaining the integrity of a pair of shoes, there is some inherent
damage to the upper of the shoe by the use of the pointed tongue.
Another device used for interconnecting shoes is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
3,482,335 to Ornsteen, Dec. 9, 1969. The Ornsteen patent requires the use
of a length of plastic, fabric, string or cord glued to the bottom or the
inside of each shoe between the upper and lower soles thereof. The two
pieces extending from each shoe are then connected together by staples or
snap devices to secure the shoes together as a pair for display. This
patent also discloses the desirability of making the cords long enough to
take a few steps for testing the shoes. Unfortunately, this method
requires the destruction of the length of cord to separate the pair of
shoes, and a portion of the cord will remain between the soles of each
shoe after separation thereof. Additionally, a serious safety concern is
presented by the use of a cord long enough for walking. Since the cord is
loose and would drape between the feet of a wearer, there is an inherent
possibility that the cord could become entangled and trip the wearer.
A still further device for attaching pairs of shoes together is disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,060 to Maxwell, Nov. 26, 1986. The Maxwell patent
discloses the fixing of tabs between the inner and outer sole of each shoe
with holes therein for the connection of a fastening filament. As with the
Ornsteen device, this patent leaves a portion of the connection means in
each shoe after separation thereof. Additionally, the use of a fastening
filament long enough to allow walking would present a similar safety
hazard. Thus, there is a need for a method and apparatus for displaying
and testing self-service shoes that does not leave a portion thereof in
the shoe after removal, does not damage the shoe and is safe for testing
of the shoes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention disclosed and claimed herein describes a method and
apparatus for displaying and testing self-service shoes which
substantially eliminates or greatly reduces problems associated with prior
shoe coupling devices. The present invention allows the display and test
walking of a pair of shoes without the safety concerns of prior devices.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a coiled connector which is
expandable from a first relaxed length to a second elongated length is
fixed to each shoe. The connector is fixed to the shoes with fixing
elements such as nylon filaments or snap-on couplings.
An information tag containing such information as size, price, brand name,
etc., may also be fixed to the shoe with one of the fixing elements. The
shoes are then placed in a side-by-side relationship on an appropriate
self-service display for customer selection. The coil in the connector
prevents unnecessary clutter and presents a more appealing appearance.
After selecting the connected pair of shoes, a customer may place the shoes
on their feet for test walking. To test the shoes, the connector stretches
from its first relaxed length to its second elongated length, back to its
relaxed length and so on. Due to the coil in the connector, the tendency
is for the connector to return to its first relaxed length eliminating or
greatly reducing the safety hazard inherent with the prior art devices.
After the customer has tested the shoes and has decided to purchase same,
the shoes are deposited with a sales clerk for payment. The sales clerk
will detach the coiled shoe connector from the shoes by cutting or
otherwise removing the fixing element from each shoe. The coiled shoe
connector may be disposed of or retained by the sales clerk for reuse.
It is a technical advantage of the present invention that self-service
shoes may be displayed side-by-side in an attractive arrangement and yet
securely connected as a pair. It is a further technical advantage that the
connected pair of shoes may be safely tested due to the coil of the
connector. It is a still further technical advantage of the present
invention that the connector may be retained after the sale of the shoes
for reuse.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further
advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following Detailed
Description taken in conjunction with accompanying Drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of shoes interconnected for display
with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the coiled connector in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fixing element;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a customer testing the shoes interconnected
with the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the purchase of the shoes and removal of
the connector of the present invention; and
FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the method of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In FIGS. 1-6, like items are identified by like and corresponding numerals
for ease of reference. Referring first to FIG. 1, an isometric view is
shown of a pair of shoes displayed for sale in accordance with the
preferred embodiment of the present invention. A first shoe 10 is
connected to a second shoe 12 by a coiled connector 14. The coiled
connector 14 is attached at a first end 16 to the first shoe 10 and at a
second end 18 to the second shoe 12 by any appropriate method which will
be subsequently described in greater detail.
Attached to shoe 10 (or shoe 12, as desired) is an information tag 20. The
information tag 20 may contain size, price or any other appropriate
instructions. The tag 20 is preferably connected to the shoe 10 or 12 in
the same fashion as the first and second ends 16-18 of the connector 14.
Since the shoes 10 and 12 are securely connected by the connector 14 only
one tag 20 is required for each pair of shoes. The connected shoes 10 and
12 may then be placed on a display rack 22 for observation and selection
thereof by a customer.
Due to the coiled connector 14, the shoes 10 and 12 are conveniently
displayed as a pair without fear of their separation. Additionally, the
coiled connector 14 provides a neat and uncluttered display of the shoes
10 and 12 due to the compact design thereof.
Referring to FIG. 2, the coiled connector 14 is shown in accordance with
the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The first and second
ends 16-18 are provided with loops 24 and 26. The loops 24 and 26 are then
permanently held in place on the ends 16-18, respectively, by crimping
butterfly portions 28 (as shown cutaway on end 16) around the coiled
connector 14. The crimped butterfly portions 28 and the loops 24-26 are
then preferably covered with a protective coating 30, such as, for
example, plastic tape (loops 24-26 are not shown covered for the sake of
simplicity).
As shown in the cutaway portion, the connector 14 comprises an inner
portion 32 and an outer protective coating 34. The inner portion 32 may
comprise any appropriate material such as braided wire that is capable of
being formed into a coil and returning to the coiled configuration after
being repeatedly stretched.
The protective outer coating 34 may comprise, for example, plastic or
rubber to protect the surface of the shoe from scuffing by or abrasions
from the inner portion 32. In the preferred embodiment, the connector 14
is designed to be reusable, thus a separate fixing element is required for
connection to the shoes.
The coiled connector 14 is formed with a first relaxed length L which is
sufficient to connect a pair of shoes without sagging or causing excessive
clutter. As will subsequently be described in greater detail, the
connector 14 also has a second elongated length L2 which allows a customer
to take a test walk in the shoes.
Referring to FIG. 3, a fixing element 36 is shown. The fixing element 36 is
one possible device used to connect the first and second loops 24 and 26
of the coiled connector 14 to the first shoe 10 and first shoe 12.
Although element 36 is the only separate connecting element shown, it is
to be understood that there are many other possible connectors that would
serve the connecting purpose equally as well.
The fixing element 36 may comprise any appropriate material such as a nylon
strap, a ziplock or a nylon filament, all of which are well known in the
art. The fixing element 36 has a receiver 38 and a locking ribs 40 for
insertion therein. By placing the locking ribs 40 within the receiver 38
and pushing in a direction illustrated by a dashed arrow 42, the fixing
element 36 is securely locked in a closed condition. Thus, it is possible
to insert the fixing element 36 through the first or second loops 24-26
and then through a shoe eyelet (or other similar device inherent to the
shoe). By attaching the coiled connector 14 to shoes 10 and 12 with the
fixing element 36, there is no damage to the shoes 10 or 12 and, yet, the
shoes are conveniently interconnected as a pair.
Referring to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated. The coiled connector 44 comprises a one-piece element such
as, for example, plastic. The plastic material must have sufficient memory
to allow the formation of the coil and return thereto after being
elongated. The first connecting element end 46 is left open for subsequent
attachment to another shoe while the second connecting element end 48 is
shown attached to the shoe 12.
Upon attachment to a shoe, the first and second ends 46 and 48 are inserted
through a portion of the shoe, such as an eyelet, and then clipped
together. The first and second ends 46 and 48 may comprise any suitable
clipping arrangement such as locking ribs and a receiver similar to that
shown in FIG. 3 above. The alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4,
will provide the advantages of the present invention, but will be
disposable rather than reusable.
Referring to FIG. 5, a wearer 50 is shown testing the pair of shoes 10 and
12 which are connected by the coiled connector 14 (or 44). The connector
14 is shown in the second elongated length L2. The second elongated length
L2, for example, approximately 40 inches, is sufficient to allow the
wearer 50 to walk in the shoes 10 and 12 for testing thereof. Due to the
coiled configuration of the connector 14, as the wearer 50 walks in the
shoes 10 and 12, the connector 14 tends to return to its first relaxed
length L. Thus, the connector 14 will not create a tripping hazard for the
wearer 50 and provides a safe and economical method for maintaining the
shoe pair integrity in a self-service environment.
Referring to FIG. 6, the wearer 50 has decided to purchase a pair of shoes
80 (only one of which is shown) and has deposited same with a sales clerk
52. The sales clerk 52 will then disconnect the coiled connector 14 from
the shoes 80 such as by cutting the fixing elements 36 with a scissors 54.
The connector 14, once severed from the shoes 80, may then be stored for
reuse with another pair of shoes. If the shoes 80 are connected by the
connector 44, the sales clerk 52 must sever the first and second ends 46
and 48 thereof and dispose of the connector 44. Optionally, the connector
44 may be left on the shoes for subsequent removal by the wearer 50.
Referring to FIG. 7 a flow chart is illustrated in accordance with the
method of the present invention. At 56, the coiled connector 14 or 44 is
attached to a pair of shoes. At 58, the price or information tag 20 may be
connected to one of the shoes at the same time as the coiled connector 14.
Alternatively, a tag 20 need not be affixed to the shoes and the connected
shoes 10 and 12 may be placed directly on display as in 60.
At 62, a customer will select the shoes and try them on for test walking
thereof. During the testing due to the coiled configuration of the
connector 14 the customer 50 is able to walk in the shoes without tripping
over the connector 14. At 64, the customer purchases the pair of shoes and
a sales clerk removes the connector 14. The connector 14 is saved for
reuse at 66 or the connector 44 is disposed of at 68.
Although the present invention has been described with respect to a
specific preferred embodiment thereof, various changes and modifications
may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the
present invention encompass such changes and modifications as fall within
the scope of the appended claims.
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